In many timelines, newly made leaders were given nine lives and that was it. They were given Starclan's approval to lead their clans even if there was no way to prove it. But this was not that timeline, or universe. Here, leaders weren't just given nine lives. Starclan was much more powerful than that and gave the needed proof cats needed to justify their right to lead their clan. Even if you were granted at least one life, Starclan would gift you wings. Each leader had their own unique wings. When the first leaders were gifted their wings, Thunderstar's were made out of crackling lightning, Shadowstar had dark purple butterfly wings, Riverstar had a literal river flowing through his, and Windstar's wings were made out of visible winds, casting a breeze where ever she went.

Even Sunstar, only granted 8 out of 9 lives, was given bright, sunny wings that could blind those that looked straight at them if he wished, just like a literal sun.

Wings were visible proof that Starclan had granted you nine lives(while also being proof that Starclan existed). They garnered respect from the cats living in the clan. If cats wanted, they could de-materialize their wings, put them away so to speak. Some cats just didn't really like having their wings out all the time, either they were uncomfortable, or for other reasons. Even so, it was customary that at a leader's first gathering, the newly made leader would bring out their wings to show proof of leadership. It was how everyone knew that Nightpelt had never received nine lives. He had refused to show his wings. He claimed that they were too bulky for him, but everyone had knew.

Brambleclaw was always amazed every time he looked at the leaders. Tallstar's wings consisted of black and white feathers, and were rather long compared to the other current leaders. Leopardstar had spots over her wings, almost like an actual leopard. Blackstar had wings made of a foreign white energy, with some weird black energy wrapping around them. Tigerstar's wings had been made of the blackest shadows, leaving inky trails of darkness where he walked.

Most cats think Tigerstar never really deserved his wings. (They thought Brokenstar didn't deserve them either- both cats having committed so many crimes during their lifetimes.)

But Brambleclaw's favorite wings belonged to Firestar. His were different in every way possible, not because his wings were literally made out of fire, or because he could control them to burn his enemies or bring warmth to his clan, but because his wings were the only ones that weren't attached to his body. It was almost an analogy. He didn't have any clan blood, but was still apart of the clan. Wings that weren't attached to him, but wings he could feel nonetheless.

Firestar always kept his wings out, not only symbolizing his leadership(and Cloudtail couldn't even say that Starclan didn't exist at this point- the look on his face when he realized that no, Bluestar's wings weren't just blue feathers she managed to gather up on her back, cats then thought the look on his face was hilarious), but also symbolizing his freedom. It made Brambleclaw almost envious whenever Firestar was flying above him, hearing his laughs of delight. But Firestar was always so happy when he did, Brambleclaw didn't have it in him to be jealous for long.

Especially when Firestar would hook his paws under Brambeclaw's belly when he was younger and smaller and took him out flying together. He couldn't keep in his own laughs for long; he loved the feeling of the wind flowing through his fur.

One night after Firestar and Sandstorm had returned from whatever mission Starclan sent them on and Sandstorm had moved into the nursery, Brambleclaw snuck into the leader's den. He padded silently over to where Firestar was laid out, wings spayed out over his sides. He wriggled under one of the wings and snuggled into it.

Firestar made a perfect heater, especially since the weather was getting colder. Leaf-bare was coming ever so closer.

Firestar gave a sigh in his sleep, feeling the body-heat at his side, and spayed his wing out further for whoever was under it this time. He didn't mind. The kits and apprentices loved his wings; he would rotate where he slept and give out a warmth that spread over the den. The queens and elders appreciated it. Plus, he could give Cinderpelt some company sometimes. Everyone wins.

The wing over Brambleclaw almost covered his entire body. He nuzzled into the wing while snuggling closer to Firestar, when the wing tightened its hold on Brambleclaw and drew him in closer. Brambleclaw gave a content sigh. He would like to have a pair of wings of his own one day. But for that to happen, Firestar would have to be dead. He didn't want Firestar to die; he loved him too much. Why would he even think about him dying like that, this was his fath- his mentor he was talking about! Er, former mentor anyways. Firestar still had eight lives to give. The night was still young. Morning wasn't coming anytime soon. Until then, he would enjoy the heat warming up his body. He fell asleep there, under wings that would never lose their light.


Authors Note: This may or may not become a small collection of leaders and their wings. I'm still thinking about it. Thanks for reading and I urge you check out my stuff on A03. Everything over there is better edited and not butchered up :/